§ 4-9.1-1. Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
(1) “Animal rescue” means an entity, without a physical brick-and-mortar facility, that is owned, operated, or maintained by a duly incorporated humane society, animal welfare society, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, or other nonprofit organization.
(2) “Animal shelter” means a brick-and-mortar facility that is used to house or contain animals and that is owned, operated, or maintained by a duly incorporated humane society, animal welfare society, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, or other nonprofit organization devoted to the welfare, protection, and humane treatment of animals.
(3) “Nonprofit corporation” means a corporation of which no part of the income or profit is distributable to its members, directors, or officers, except as otherwise expressly permitted by chapter 6 of title 7.
(4) “Pound” or “Dog pound” means a facility operated by the state, or any political subdivision of the state, for the purpose of impounding or harboring seized, stray, homeless, abandoned, or unwanted dogs, cats, and other animals, or a facility operated for that purpose under contract with any municipal corporation or incorporated society for the prevention of cruelty to animals.
(5) “Veterinarian-client patient relationship” or “VCPR” means a relationship where all of the following conditions have been met:
(i) The veterinarian has assumed the responsibility for making medical judgments regarding the health of the animal or animals and the need for medical treatment, and the client (i.e., animal owner or custodian) has agreed to follow the instructions of the veterinarian.
(ii) The veterinarian has sufficient knowledge of the animal or animals to initiate at least a general or preliminary (e.g., tentative) diagnosis of the medical condition of the animal or animals. “Sufficient knowledge,” as used in this subsection, means that the veterinarian has recently seen and is personally acquainted with the keeping and care of the animal or animals, and/or by medically appropriate and timely visits to the premises where the animal or animals are kept.
(iii) The veterinarian is readily available for follow-up in cases of adverse reactions or failure of the regimen of therapy.
(iv) The veterinarian maintains records that document patient visits, diagnosis, treatment, and other relevant information.
(6) “Veterinary clinic” means any premises to which animals are brought or where they are temporarily kept, solely for the purpose of diagnosis or treatment of any illness or injury.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 149, § 1, effective July 3, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 150, § 1, effective July 3, 2021.